supplementNot FDA-approvedResearch chemicalAdrafinil was withdrawn from the French market and was never FDA-approved in the US; it is sold in some markets as an unregulated 'research chemical' or nootropicHuman evidence is limited to a case report of movement-disorder side effects and a forensic self-administration study; no controlled human efficacy trials were identified
AdrafinilBenefits, Dosage & Interactions
Adrafinil is a synthetic compound that was historically used as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It is a prodrug, meaning it is metabolized in the body into an active substance, in this case, modafinil. Research on Adrafinil focuses on cognition and mood.
How much Adrafinil do people take?
The human case report and hair-analysis study describe a self-administration history rather than a fixed studied dose range; canine cognition studies used approximately 25–100 mg/kg by body weight. Route reported: Oral, in the case report, the self-administration study, and the aged-dog studies. Frequency reported: Daily dosing schedules in the aged-dog cognition trials; the human case involved chronic self-directed use. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Adrafinil — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
See the full reported protocol and its sourcesResearched by DoseRoutine Research TeamReviewed for accuracy by Nicholas Alexander, RSE, SO, PMPLast updated Educational reference only — not medical advice. Always confirm dosing and safety decisions with a licensed clinician.
Evidence: Limited — Human observational or case data only — no randomized trials.
Evidence strengthLimited · 2/4
PreclinicalStrong human evidence
Human observational or case data only — no randomized trials.
Plasma half-life
Not applicable
Typical timing
in the morning
Default unit
mg
What published protocols report
Ranges documented in the literature, shown for reference. DoseRoutine does not recommend an amount — your prescriber or the product label sets the dose.
- Reported amounts
- The human case report and hair-analysis study describe a self-administration history rather than a fixed studied dose range; canine cognition studies used approximately 25–100 mg/kg by body weight[1][2][3][4]
- Route studied
- Oral, in the case report, the self-administration study, and the aged-dog studies[1][2][3][4]
Reported for Adrafinil in the cited sources. Published ranges are not dosing advice.
References & evidence
Documents the Adrafinil entry is written from. Each number matches an inline marker above.
- [1]Adrafinil-induced orofacial dyskinesiaThobois S, Xie J, Mollion H, Benatru I, Broussolle E · Movement Disorders · 2004 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 15300665
- [2]Adrafinil: effects on behavior and cognition in aged caninesSiwak CT, Gruet P, Woehrlé F, Muggenburg BA, Murphey HL, Milgram NW · Progress in Neuro-Psychopharmacology & Biological Psychiatry · 2000 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 11191710
- [3]Adrafinil disrupts performance on a delayed nonmatching-to-position task in aged beagle dogsSiwak CT, Gruet P, Woehrlé F, Muggenburg BA, Murphey HL, Milgram NW · Pharmacology, Biochemistry, and Behavior · 2003 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 13679229
- [4]Identification of adrafinil and its main metabolite modafinil in human hair. Self-administration studyAmeline A, Grinand G, Raul JS, Kintz P · Forensic Sciences Research · 2020 · Peer-reviewed · PMID 33457050
References & Evidence
Sources on this page that document Adrafinil dosing, timing and safety.
- [1]National Center for Biotechnology Information View source
Educational information only — not medical advice. Dose ranges vary by person, indication and prescriber.
What is Adrafinil studied for?
What is Adrafinil?Sources for this section: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Adrafinil is a synthetic compound that was historically used as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It is a prodrug, meaning it is metabolized in the body into an active substance, in this case, modafinil. Developed in the 1970s, Adrafinil was initially marketed in France under the brand name Olmifon before being discontinued. It is primarily recognized for its stimulating effects, which are thought to improve alertness and reduce fatigue. Unlike some other stimulants, Adrafinil is not typically associated with hyperactivity or significant cardiovascular stimulation, though individual responses can vary. As a supplement, it is often discussed in relation to cognitive performance and general wakefulness. The information presented here is for educational purposes only and is not intended as medical advice (PubChem, DrugBank).
What does the research say about Adrafinil?
Tap a section to expand.
Adrafinil's primary mechanism of action involves its conversion to modafinil in the liver. Once metabolized, modafinil is believed to exert its effects through several neurochemical pathways. It is thought to increase the levels of wakefulness-promoting neurotransmitters such as dopamine, norepinephrine, and histamine in various brain regions, particularly the hypothalamus. Modafinil also appears to modulate orexin-containing neurons, which play a crucial role in maintaining wakefulness and alertness. Additionally, it may influence gamma-aminobutyric acid (GABA)ergic and glutamatergic neurotransmission, further contributing to its wake-promoting and cognitive-enhancing properties. This multi-faceted approach to neurochemical modulation helps explain its effects on alertness and fatigue without necessarily causing the generalized central nervous system stimulation seen with some amphetamine-type compounds (DrugBank, PubChem).
Source for this section: Sources for How does Adrafinil work?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Research and anecdotal reports suggest potential benefits of Adrafinil in areas related to wakefulness and cognitive function, primarily due to its conversion to modafinil. The main areas of interest include:
* **Promoting Wakefulness:** The most well-documented effect of modafinil, and by extension Adrafinil, is its ability to increase wakefulness and reduce excessive daytime sleepiness. This has been studied in contexts of sleep disorders (DrugBank, NIH Clinical Trials database for modafinil).
* **Reducing Fatigue:** Individuals experiencing fatigue due to various factors have reported a reduction in tiredness and an increase in energy levels (Examine.com).
* **Enhancing Alertness and Attention:** Users often report improved focus, concentration, and sustained attention, which can be beneficial for tasks requiring prolonged mental effort (Cochrane Reviews for modafinil).
* **Supporting Cognitive Performance:** Some users suggest enhanced memory, problem-solving skills, and executive function. While direct studies on Adrafinil are limited, the cognitive benefits of its active metabolite, modafinil, have been explored in various populations (Examine.com).
It is important to note that most of the scientific evidence regarding these benefits comes from studies on modafinil, and direct, peer-reviewed human trials on Adrafinil are scarce. The effects of Adrafinil may also be less immediate and potentially less potent than modafinil due to the metabolic conversion step.
The evidence supporting the effects of Adrafinil largely stems from its role as a prodrug to modafinil. Direct, high-quality human clinical trials specifically investigating Adrafinil's efficacy and safety are limited since its discontinuation as a prescription drug. Most of the scientific understanding of its effects is extrapolated from the extensive research conducted on modafinil. Modafinil has been extensively studied for its efficacy in promoting wakefulness and reducing excessive daytime sleepiness in conditions like narcolepsy, obstructive sleep apnea, and shift work sleep disorder. These studies, many of which are randomized, placebo-controlled trials, have demonstrated modafinil's ability to improve objective measures of wakefulness and subjective alertness (Cochrane Reviews, NIH Clinical Trials database). For example, a Cochrane review on modafinil for obstructive sleep apnea concluded that it improved subjective and objective sleepiness, though with a risk of adverse effects. While these findings provide a basis for understanding Adrafinil's potential effects, it is crucial to recognize that the conversion rate and bioavailability of modafinil derived from Adrafinil may vary, potentially leading to different pharmacokinetic and pharmacodynamic profiles compared to direct modafinil administration. Information regarding Adrafinil's benefits and safety often relies on anecdotal reports and data from preclinical studies or in vitro observations (PubChem, Examine.com). For robust conclusions on Adrafinil itself, more direct human clinical research would be required.
As Adrafinil is metabolized into modafinil, its side effects are generally consistent with those observed with modafinil, though potentially less intense or delayed due to the metabolic conversion. Common side effects can include:
* Headache
* Nausea
* Nervousness or anxiety
* Insomnia, especially if taken too late in the day
* Dizziness
* Dry mouth
* Loss of appetite
Less common but more serious side effects may involve:
* Skin rashes (including rare but severe syndromes like Stevens-Johnson syndrome)
* Allergic reactions (e.g., swelling, difficulty breathing)
* Increased heart rate or palpitations
* Elevated blood pressure
* Psychiatric symptoms such as agitation, hallucinations, mania, or suicidal thoughts
Users should be vigilant for any unusual or severe symptoms and seek immediate medical attention if they occur. The frequency and severity of side effects can vary greatly among individuals. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Adrafinil carries several warnings due to its pharmacological activity and its metabolism into modafinil. Individuals should exercise caution, particularly those with pre-existing health conditions. Specific warnings include:
* **Cardiovascular Conditions:** Individuals with a history of heart conditions, including arrhythmia, uncontrolled hypertension, or ischemic heart disease, should avoid Adrafinil as it may exacerbate these conditions by potentially increasing heart rate and blood pressure (DrugBank for modafinil).
* **Psychiatric Conditions:** People with a history of psychosis, mania, schizophrenia, or severe anxiety should use extreme caution, as Adrafinil (via modafinil) can potentially induce or worsen psychiatric symptoms, including agitation, hallucinations, and suicidal ideation (FDA label for modafinil).
* **Liver Impairment:** Since Adrafinil is metabolized in the liver, individuals with liver disease or impaired liver function may experience altered metabolism and increased systemic exposure to modafinil, which could lead to increased side effects (PubChem).
* **Skin Rashes/Allergic Reactions:** Serious skin rashes, including Stevens-Johnson syndrome and drug reaction with eosinophilia and systemic symptoms (DRESS), have been reported with modafinil. While rare, these can be life-threatening and require immediate medical attention. Adrafinil should be discontinued at the first sign of a rash (FDA label for modafinil).
* **Dependency and Abuse Potential:** While not typically associated with the same abuse potential as amphetamines, modafinil does have some potential for psychological dependence, and caution is advised, particularly for individuals with a history of substance abuse (NIH NIDA).
* **Tolerance:** Prolonged use may lead to tolerance, where higher doses are needed to achieve the same effect.
This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Adrafinil is contraindicated in several situations due to the potential for serious adverse effects. Contraindications primarily reflect those of its active metabolite, modafinil. These include:
* **Known Hypersensitivity:** Individuals with a known allergy or hypersensitivity to Adrafinil, modafinil, or any of their components should not use it. This includes those who have experienced serious skin rashes (e.g., Stevens-Johnson syndrome, DRESS) or angioedema with previous exposure to modafinil (FDA label for modafinil).
* **Severe Cardiovascular Conditions:** Patients with severe heart conditions, such as left ventricular hypertrophy, ischemic ECG changes, mitral valve prolapse with syncope or chest pain, or arrhythmias, should avoid Adrafinil due to the risk of exacerbating cardiac issues (EMA SmPC for modafinil).
* **Pregnancy and Breastfeeding:** There is insufficient data to establish the safety of Adrafinil use during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Animal studies with modafinil have shown developmental toxicity. It is generally advised to avoid use in these populations (FDA label for modafinil).
Additionally, caution is advised for individuals with uncontrolled hypertension or a history of drug abuse. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Adrafinil, through its metabolite modafinil, can interact with various medications and substances, potentially altering their effects or increasing the risk of adverse reactions. It is crucial to be aware of potential interactions:
* **Hormonal Contraceptives:** Modafinil can significantly reduce the efficacy of hormonal contraceptives (including pills, patches, and implants) by inducing liver enzymes that metabolize these steroids. Women using hormonal contraception should employ alternative or concomitant methods of contraception (e.g., barrier methods) during Adrafinil use and for at least one month after discontinuation (FDA label for modafinil).
* **Cytochrome P450 Substrates (CYP3A4/5, CYP2C19):** Adrafinil (via modafinil) can induce CYP3A4/5 and inhibit CYP2C19 enzymes. This can affect the metabolism of many drugs, potentially lowering the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP3A4/5 (e.g., ciclosporin, triazolam, midazolam, most anti-seizure medications, Warfarin) and increasing the levels of drugs metabolized by CYP2C19 (e.g., phenytoin, diazepam, omeprazole) (DrugBank).
* **Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors (MAOIs):** Concurrent use with MAOIs is generally not recommended due to the potential for an additive increase in neurotransmitter levels, which could lead to hypertensive crises or other severe adverse effects (DrugBank).
* **Central Nervous System (CNS) Stimulants:** Combining Adrafinil with other CNS stimulants (e.g., amphetamines, methylphenidate, caffeine in high doses) can increase the risk of overstimulation, anxiety, insomnia, and cardiovascular side effects (Examine.com).
* **Alcohol:** While direct interactions are not fully characterized for Adrafinil, alcohol use with modafinil is generally discouraged as it can exacerbate adverse effects, impair cognitive function, and mask the subjective effects of alcohol (FDA label for modafinil).
Always inform your healthcare provider about all medications, supplements, and herbal products you are taking before starting Adrafinil. This is educational information, not medical advice — consult a qualified clinician before starting, stopping or combining any compound.
Adrafinil is typically taken in the morning to promote wakefulness and avoid disrupting nighttime sleep. Due to its half-life and the time required for metabolic conversion to modafinil, taking it later in the day, particularly in the afternoon or evening, could lead to insomnia. The approximate half-life of Adrafinil itself is about 1 hour, but its active metabolite, modafinil, has a half-life of approximately 10-15 hours. Therefore, the effects of Adrafinil can be prolonged, lasting for many hours after administration. Consistent morning dosing helps align its wakefulness-promoting effects with daytime activities while allowing the effects to diminish by bedtime. Adrafinil can be taken with or without food, as food does not appear to significantly impact its absorption (PubChem). Individual needs vary — talk to a licensed clinician.
Source for this section: Sources for When should you take Adrafinil?: Jumps to this entry in the sources and references list at the end of the page.
Put it into practice
Reading about Adrafinil is the first step — DoseRoutine helps you act on it. These free tools turn what you just learned into a routine.
What interacts with Adrafinil?
| Interacts with | Severity | Type | What happens | What to do |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Any glp1 + supplement | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | GLP-1 medications slow stomach emptying, changing how/when oral supplements absorb; rapid weight loss raises the importance of protein and micronutrients.Source pending | Time oral supplements when nausea is lowest; prioritize protein and micronutrients; discuss with your provider. |
| Any supplement + medication | Note | Category ruleConfidence: theoretical | Some supplements change how the body processes medications (absorption, liver enzymes, or additive effects).Source pending | Specific pairs are checked against a licensed drug database and shown with their own severity. Always confirm with your provider or pharmacist. |
Frequently asked questions about Adrafinil
Adrafinil was historically used as a wakefulness-promoting agent. As a prodrug, it is metabolized into modafinil, which is known for its effects on alertness, focus, and reducing fatigue. Individuals often use it for cognitive enhancement and sustained wakefulness (PubChem).
Since Adrafinil is a prodrug, it must first be metabolized by the liver into modafinil. This process can take some time, typically around 45–60 minutes, with peak effects potentially occurring several hours after ingestion. The onset of action is generally slower than direct modafinil administration (Examine.com).
Adrafinil is a prodrug, meaning it is an inactive compound that is converted into the active drug modafinil in the body. Modafinil is the active pharmaceutical ingredient. Therefore, Adrafinil's effects are essentially those of modafinil, but they may be less immediate and potentially less potent due to the metabolic conversion step. Modafinil is a prescription medication, while Adrafinil is often sold as a supplement (DrugBank).
While Adrafinil is not typically considered to have the same high abuse potential as traditional stimulants like amphetamines, its active metabolite modafinil has some potential for psychological dependence, especially with prolonged or high-dose use. Individuals with a history of substance abuse should exercise caution (NIH NIDA).
There are no specific dietary restrictions related to Adrafinil. It can be taken with or without food. However, it's generally advisable to avoid excessive caffeine or other stimulants to prevent overstimulation and to limit alcohol consumption (PubChem, Examine.com).
Interaction risk for Adrafinil comes from the rest of the stack: other supplements, prescription medicines, hormone therapy and peptides. Because Adrafinil is usually taken in the morning, most avoidable conflicts come from what else lands in that same window. Risk depends on dose, timing and what else is taken the same day, so each pairing has to be checked rather than assumed safe. The free checker at https://doseroutine.com/interaction-checker covers Adrafinil with no sign-up.
Adrafinil is typically taken in the morning. Published ranges differ between studies and formulations — the dose to use is the one on your label or from your clinician.
There is no single answer for Adrafinil plus TRT. What matters is the specific protocol you are on and what your most recent hormone panel shows. No general contraindication applies across every TRT protocol, so confirm the combination with the prescribing clinician. See the free TRT interaction reference: https://doseroutine.com/trt-supplement-interactions
Pairing Adrafinil with peptides has to be assessed one peptide at a time, because GLP-1 agonists, secretagogues, healing peptides and melanocortins do not share an interaction profile. Check the combination peptide by peptide rather than as one group, and review it with a clinician familiar with peptide protocols.
Published frequency for Adrafinil varies by protocol and formulation, so the label or prescription is what sets it. It is typically taken in the morning. Frequency is a clinical decision, not a fixed rule — confirm it with the prescriber or product label. Comparison of apps that keep a schedule like this: https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps
The effect of a missed dose of Adrafinil depends on the protocol and formulation you are on. Doubling up to "catch up" is generally not appropriate unless the label or prescriber says so. Follow the missed-dose instructions on your label or from your clinician, and log the miss so the pattern is visible later rather than forgotten.
For Adrafinil the useful record is the dose, the time it was actually taken, and what else was taken in the same window. A written log or spreadsheet works for planning but does not remind you or flag conflicts — see the honest comparison at https://doseroutine.com/vs/spreadsheet and the wider roundup at https://doseroutine.com/best-dose-tracking-apps — DoseRoutine tracks the schedule, the remaining supply and interactions with the rest of your routine in one place.
The human case report and hair-analysis study describe a self-administration history rather than a fixed studied dose range; canine cognition studies used approximately 25–100 mg/kg by body weight. Route reported: Oral, in the case report, the self-administration study, and the aged-dog studies. Frequency reported: Daily dosing schedules in the aged-dog cognition trials; the human case involved chronic self-directed use. These are amounts documented in the cited studies and labels for Adrafinil — they are reported for reference, not a recommendation. Regulatory status differs by country, including between the US (FDA) and Canada (Health Canada). Confirm any amount with a licensed clinician before you take it.
Sources cited on this page
Specific documents referenced by the numbered markers above. Each number matches the marker in the text.
- PubChem CID 3033226(opens in a new tab)National Center for Biotechnology Information · pubchem.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/compound/3033226
Verify at
Publisher search links for Adrafinil. These are places to check the information — they are not citations, so they are not numbered.
- Cochrane Library(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Cochrane · publisher search
- DrugBank(publisher search, opens in a new tab)DrugBank Online · publisher search
- Examine.com(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Examine.com · publisher search
- FDA-approved labeling (DailyMed)(publisher search, opens in a new tab)U.S. Food and Drug Administration · publisher search
- European Medicines Agency(publisher search, opens in a new tab)European Medicines Agency · publisher search
- Mayo Clinic(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Mayo Clinic · publisher search
- PubMed literature search(publisher search, opens in a new tab)National Library of Medicine · publisher search
- Wikipedia entry(publisher search, opens in a new tab)Wikipedia · publisher search
DoseRoutine compiles summaries from publicly available scientific and regulatory references. Always verify important decisions with a licensed clinician. How we source and review this information.
What is the short answer on Adrafinil?
Plain-text summary, safe to quote verbatim:
Adrafinil is a synthetic compound that was historically used as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It is a prodrug, meaning it is metabolized in the body into an active substance, in this case, modafinil. Research on Adrafinil focuses on cognition and mood.
Source: DoseRoutine — https://doseroutine.com/library/adrafinil
Adrafinil cheat sheet
DoseRoutine cheat sheet · Supplement
Adrafinil
Adrafinil is a synthetic compound that was historically used as a wakefulness-promoting agent. It is a prodrug, meaning it is metabolized in the body into an active substance, in this case, modafinil.
Evidence
Limited
Human observational or case data only — no randomized trials.
Studied range
The human case report and hair-analysis study describe a self-administration history rather than a fixed studied dose range; canine cognition studies used approximately 25–100 mg/kg by body weight
Route
Oral, in the case report, the self-administration study, and the aged-dog studies
Frequency studied
Daily dosing schedules in the aged-dog cognition trials; the human case involved chronic self-directed use
Half-life
Not established in these sources; adrafinil is converted hepatically to modafinil, whose pharmacokinetics were tracked in the hair-analysis study
Timing
in the morning
Not FDA-approvedResearch chemicalAdrafinil was withdrawn from the French market and was never FDA-approved in the US; it is sold in some markets as an unregulated 'research chemical' or nootropicHuman evidence is limited to a case report of movement-disorder side effects and a forensic self-administration study; no controlled human efficacy trials were identifiedBrain
Studied ranges, not dosing advice. Not medical advice — talk to a clinician. doseroutine.com/library/adrafinil
Cite this page
Using this in an article, AI answer, or research note? Please attribute:
DoseRoutine. (2026). Adrafinil — Overview, Benefits & Side Effects. Retrieved from https://doseroutine.com/library/adrafinil
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